How to Enter the -MGMTDB Directory and Fix “cd -MGMTDB Invalid Option” Error in Oracle

Introduction

When working in Oracle Grid Infrastructure or RAC environments, administrators may run into the frustrating error:

 
[grid@host03 _mgmtdb]$ cd -MGMTDB
-bash: cd: -M: invalid option

This happens when trying to navigate into the -MGMTDB directory, which stores files for the Oracle Grid Management Database. The issue arises because the shell interprets the leading dash (-) as an option rather than a directory name.

In this guide, we’ll explain how to properly enter the -MGMTDB directory, why this error occurs, and provide practical solutions to fix it.

Why Does the “cd -MGMTDB Invalid Option” Error Happen

The primary cause is that the dash (-) at the start of -MGMTDB is treated as a shell flag. In Linux and Unix, any directory starting with a dash can trigger this issue.

Typical Scenarios

• Navigating to -MGMTDB inside Oracle ASM.

• Running scripts that reference the MGMTDB database files.

• Misconfigured environment variables pointing to the wrong directory.

👉 Oracle officially documents this behavior in My Oracle Support Note 2392726.1, confirming that it is a syntax issue rather than a database error.

How to Enter the -MGMTDB Directory Correctly

1. Use “./” to Escape the Dash

If the directory is in the current path, run:

 
cd ./-MGMTDB

2. Use Double Dashes (“--”)

Tell the shell to stop interpreting options:

 
cd -- -MGMTDB

3. Use Absolute Path

If you know the full path, specify it directly:

 
cd /u01/app/oracle/diag/rdbms/-MGMTDB

Best Practices for Managing the MGMTDB Directory

• Always use absolute paths in scripts to avoid shell misinterpretation.

• If possible, avoid creating directories with a leading dash.

• Document Oracle Grid Infrastructure paths clearly for other admins.

• Regularly check ASM and MGMTDB logs to ensure stability.

📌 Related reading: Fix Oracle 19c Database Creation Stuck at 15%

Conclusion

The “cd -MGMTDB invalid option” error occurs because the shell treats -MGMTDB as an option instead of a directory. By using ./, --, or absolute paths, administrators can easily enter the directory and continue managing the Oracle MGMTDB database.

Mastering these simple shell tricks ensures smooth navigation in Oracle environments and avoids unnecessary downtime.